Habs ink Yannick Weber to a 2-year deal

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Wednesday the signing of defenseman Yannick Weber to a two-year contract (2011-12 and 2012-13). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Yannick has acquired valuable experience at the NHL level this past season playing a total of 44 regular season and playoff games. He is a young player who has gained confidence and progressed steadily since being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007,” said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier.

Weber, 22, completed in 2010-11 his third season with the Canadiens in the NHL. In 41 games, the defenseman registered 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists), including his first NHL goal on February 9 against the Bruins at Boston. He served 14 penalty minutes and maintained an even plus/minus differential, while averaging 16:33 seconds of ice time per game.

Before being called up on November 18, Weber had totals of 12 points (8 goals, 4 assists) in 15 games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. Four of his goals were tallied on the power play. He collected 44 shots on goal and served 10 penalty minutes.

A native of Morges, Switzerland, Weber was the Canadiens’ fifth pick (third round, 73rd overall) at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was part of the Swiss team at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, as well as at the 2009 World Championship and the 2008 World Junior Championship.